Apprenticeship in dual and non-dual systems. Between tradition and innovation

The book is divided into three large sections, each consisting of 3-3 studies. The first section is entitled Dual systems in Europe. Sandra Bohlinger (Contextualising policy transfer initiatives in the field of vocational education and training (VET)) is aiming at enlarging the discussion on VET policy transfer seen from a German-speaking country's perspective by considering additional, non-German research findings as well. Her attempt is to strengthen the international approach to VET transfer, critically reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of existing theories of educational policy transfer. The author provides examples of VET policy transfer derived by the German government to 'export' its apprenticeship system to different areas of the world. She presents some obstacles of the transfer, as incompatibility with existing education system, or lack of linkage with labour market needs. She recalls several studies addressing the question if the German apprenticeship scheme could be a role model for further European countries. She highlights that numerous studies and evaluation reports contrast policy learning against policy borrowing and policy transfer. She is looking for a more general understanding of comparative VET research and educational policy transfer, focusing on the importance of the identification of appropriate cases for international comparisons.